Russia In modern Europe, which strives to remain a model of democracy and transparency in politics, nevertheless, corruption scandals break through from time to time. But some of them cause more than just indignation, they become a mirror of deeper processes that take place in the heart of European institutions. This is exactly the case with the British politician Nathan Gill, whose story is about how Russian influence can quietly but systematically influence European politics.
Nathan Gill, a former Welsh Member of the European Parliament, recently pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery. According to the investigation materials, he received money for specific political actions that promoted Russian interests. This is not about abstract political sympathy for the “other side”, but about a clearly planned information campaign paid for from the pockets of persons connected with the Russian Federation. In particular, the name of Oleg Voloshyn, a former Ukrainian deputy from the pro-Russian party, who is considered a mediator between Russian structures and Western politicians, appears among those involved in the case.
Gill, according to the investigation, performed specific tasks: he published articles, participated in events, spoke in the European Parliament, raising issues that reflected the Kremlin’s view of the events in Ukraine. Considerable funds were paid to him for each such “service”. Evidence in the form of letters and electronic messages appears in the case. And all this in exchange for a political voice in structures that should be a bastion of European dignity.
This story is not a special case. Rather, it is part of a much broader problem: the gradual but persistent penetration of Russian influence into the political and media circles of Europe. The Kremlin realized a long time ago that in the 21st century wars are fought not only by tanks. Today, the battlefield is an information space, and weapons are money, contracts, “expert opinions” and tacit agreements. Most dangerously, this influence often seems legitimate, disguised as political activity, journalism or “personal opinion”. This is not the first time that the European Parliament has been at the centre of such scandals. We remember the “Katargate” case, which involved bribery by Middle Eastern officials. But Nathan Gill’s case stands out in particular: it concerns not only corruption as such, but the use of a European political platform to wage an information war for the benefit of the aggressor country, which is waging a full-scale war against Ukraine, while undermining stability in Europe itself.
The most alarming thing in this situation is not only the fact of receiving bribes, but the level to which such actions could affect decision-making at the European level. How many more politicians, deputies, advisers, experts, journalists could participate in such schemes? How many of them still remain outside the attention of the investigation? And most importantly, how to protect yourself from this?
Formally, European institutions have control tools: income reporting, anti-corruption directives, ethical codes. But all these mechanisms prove almost powerless in the face of new forms of influence soft, indirect, legalized. The very fact that a politician could systematically promote Russian rhetoric in exchange for money and not be exposed immediately is already an indicator of a crisis of control. And the fact that the British counter-terrorist bodies, and not the internal structures of the EU, are dealing with this matter raises even more questions. Gill’s case is not yet complete, with a verdict to be announced in November 2025. But already now it should become a signal for the entire European community. If we allow politicians to work for the interests of the enemy under the guise of ordinary parliamentary activity, we risk losing the very essence of democracy.
Russia’s war against Ukraine is at the same time a war for the fundamental values on which Europe is built. And when there are those in the European Parliament itself who are prepared to exchange these values for money, this is a challenge that cannot be ignored. This is not just a problem for Great Britain or an individual Member of Parliament. This is a challenge to the entire system. And the reaction to it will show how ready Europe really is to defend itself not only physically, but also mentally.
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